2025 Air Jordan 12 "Flu Game" – The Comeback of a Legend! 🔥

If you know sneakers, you know there are some kicks so legendary that even if you never wear them, you have to own a pair. The 2025 Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” is exactly that—a sneaker woven into basketball history, a shoe that carries the grit, determination, and legacy of Michael Jordan’s unforgettable 1997 NBA Finals performance.

Quick Release Info

📅 Release Date: March 1, 2025
💰 Retail Price:

• Men’s (CT8013-002) : $210
  
• Grade School (153265-002): $150
  
• Preschool (151186-002): $90
  
• Toddler (850000-002): $75

The “Flu Game” Story: 

The Air Jordan 12 originally dropped in 1996, designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield. But the black and red “Flu Game” colorway? That became iconic on June 11, 1997.

Picture this: Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Bulls vs. the Jazz. The series tied 2-2. Michael Jordan, battling what was believed to be flu-like symptoms (but later rumored to be food poisoning from a sketchy pizza), still laced up his black and red Jordan 12s and delivered a 38-point masterclass—securing the win in a nail-biting 90-88 victory. The Bulls went on to win the Finals, earning MJ his fifth ring.

Michael Jordan Flu Game 1997 NBA Finals Game 5

Since then, the "Flu Game" 12s have re-released four times, with the last drop in 2016. Now, in 2025, we finally get another chance to cop this grail.

What’s New? 2025 vs. 2016

So, what’s changed since the last retro in 2016? Here’s the side-by-side breakdown:

✅ Materials – The 2025 pair keeps that tumbled black leather and Varsity Red reptilian-textured mudguard, staying true to the OG look.
✅ Color Tones – The 2025 version has a slightly darker red outsole compared to the 2016 drop.
✅ Box Details – Comes in OG-inspired packaging, though some wording tweaks have been made.

Outside of these minor updates, this is as close to the OG as you’re gonna get.

How Do They Fit?

• True to size for most wearers.
  
• If you prefer a snug fit, you can go down half a size (since 12s have that slightly bulky, boot-like feel).
  
• Comfort? Elite. The Air cushioning makes these one of the most comfortable retros to rock.

Check out @zsneakerheadz unboxing the 2025 Air Jordan 12 "Flu Game" below!

The Surprise Comeback We Didn’t See Coming!

Jordan Brand is all about the classics, and for Spring 2025, they’re bringing back some heavy hitters like the Air Jordan 5 Retro OG Reimagined Black Metallic and Air Jordan 9 Retro Cool Grey—but the biggest shock? The unexpected return of the Air Jordan 12 Retro “Flu Game”! 

Originally, reports suggested a new “Heritage Twist” black-and-red colorway would replace the OG Flu Game, similar to the 2020 Concord 12s, but sneakerheads weren’t feeling it. After the backlash and a spike in hype for the true Flu Game, Jordan Brand scrapped the Heritage Twist and officially reinstated the OG-inspired Flu Game 12s. 

Now set to release on March 1, 2025, via Nike and select retailers, this drop will also have an early launch at NBA All-Star Weekend, exclusively at Foot Locker in the Bay Area. Full-family sizing is locked in, with prices at $210 (Men’s), $150 (GS), $90 (PS), and $75 (TD). 

🚨 Join the Tops & Bottoms Raffle for the Air Jordan 12 "Flu Game" and get yours first!

Final Thoughts – Cop or Drop?

There’s no debating it—this is a must-cop for any sneakerhead. The history, the design, the nostalgia—everything about this shoe demands attention. And with full family sizing, you can lace up the whole squad in one of the most legendary Jordans ever made.

👟  Don’t sleep on this release. With all the hype, these will fly off shelves.

Are you grabbing a pair or passing? Let’s hear it in the comments! 🔥👀

Check out Official images of the Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” below: